This is a dog question.
2006-08-25 00:36:22 · 19 answers · asked by ♫Summer of Vintage♫ 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you buy a purebred, buy from a RELIABLE breeder (not someone who just decided to breed two dogs and make a buck) - you will know what to expect as far as size, coat, and energy level. A mixed breed (mutt) usually lives longer and has fewer health issues, but I have a problem with people creating "designer dogs" don't we have enough dogs in shelters? Why add to the problem? If you want a hypoallergenic dog, rescue a poodle from a shelter or breed rescue group. AND PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON"T buy from a petstore! If there were no petstores, puppymills would be out of business.
Ask yourself what type of dog you want, and research what it's needs are as far as grooming, exercise, and training. What size? High energy or couch potato? Little grooming, or some brushing, or needs to be groomed professionally every 6-8 weeks? You can do a little quiz at www.dogbreedinfo.com, but the only thing I don't like about the site is they promote mixed breeds, and people pay as much for them as purebred dogs, while mutts die in shelters. If you decide on a particular breed, do a search on that breeds rescue groups in your part of the country. There are many, many purebred dogs in shelters and foster homes. If you need help finding a rescue group, contact me and I will give you all the assistance I can. Good luck in your quest.
AND in response to everyone saying "if you plan on breeding"...just because a dog has papers does NOT mean they are breeding quality! It just means someone SAID (only DNA can prove) they bred dog A to dog B. Don't buy a dog because you "plan on breeding" - leave it to the breeders who want to improve the breed, not the people( as I mentioned before) who "just want to breed". It's part of the reason we have so many genetic problems in purebred dogs!
2006-08-25 02:30:04 · answer #1 · answered by Whizbeth 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mixed Breed dogs can come along with certain strange behavior although they are usually very healthy. But remember that dog is going to be part of your life for the next decade or more so why not spend the extra money and get a breed of dog that is known to have the qualities that you are looking for in a dog otherwise with a mix you may be in for surprises.
2006-08-25 07:48:03 · answer #2 · answered by kiss 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing against pure breeds but they usually have a lot of health problems due to interbreeding to keep the blood lines pure, so I vote for mixed. However, the personality of the dog is most important. My father-in-law once dropped his keys to see which dog would investigate 1st & that's how he picked one of their dogs & he was one of the great family dogs that my husband's family had over the year---all mixed breeds & all lived to be old & very healthy.
2006-08-25 07:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends, if you want to breed from the dog at somestage a Pedigree is better. But if you are just looking for a pet and companion then it doesnt matter whether it is a mixed breed or not. Why not adopt a rescue dog from a shelter.
2006-08-25 07:41:54 · answer #4 · answered by Diesel1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A pure bred dog will show the proper characteristics of the breed - you can research the personality of each breed in several places online - for instance - Do not get a Chow - they are not good pets - Boxers are great family dogs particularly if you have children. You can get purebred dogs from the SPCA - just call and put yourself on a 'want' list for that breed and they will call you. I got my gorgeous brindle boxer, Raja, that way - and he is an absolute doll!
2006-08-25 08:57:54 · answer #5 · answered by Caroline H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I prefer mixed breeds. They have a longer life span and for some reason are usually a lot healthier than pure breds.
2006-08-25 07:46:45 · answer #6 · answered by jamie6882 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depends a lot on what you are looking for. Do you just want a pet? Or are you looking to breed for puppies? Or show? For a pet and best friend, mutts are fantastic. They are heartier and healthier that pure breeds and their personalities are a lot more friendly. Also, consider adopting a homeless dog who is in need of rescue, they will reward you with their undying love and appreciation for rescuing them from their horrible situation. They will give you unconditional love and protect you to the end. Think about it. They need our help desperately.
2006-08-25 07:46:24 · answer #7 · answered by pamphetamine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mixed breeds live longer & have less medical problems (so they have cheaper vet bills). Check you local pound or petfinder.com. You can adopt full bred dogs too using these tools. Why pay hundreds of dollars for a specific breed. Find a pet up for adoption and they will appreciate you for the rest of their lives.
2006-08-25 10:36:22 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you want to use the dog for a certian job that only that breed is good at, or you want to breed, or the breeds you want doesn't breed well with other breeds, purebred. If you want a companion, pure or mixed.If you want mixed, ADOPT!!!!
2006-08-25 07:56:06 · answer #9 · answered by ♫Wolf♫ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you just want a dog that will love you, go to your local animal control center, they are so sweet and all they want to give you is love. However, if you are looking to breed they dog at a later date, buy a Pure, be sure to get papers, they too are great dogs and love you equally. We have 3 Poms and I wouldn't that anything for them.
2006-08-25 07:46:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋